Geographical skills
What's covered
Key facts
Fieldwork enquiry process
To "adapt" a data-collection method means to improve or change how the existing method is carried out (e.g. measure at more sites, repeat readings); it does not mean adding a brand-new, additional method: an AO4 distinction examiners test directly.
Fieldwork: data collection methods
A Likert scale measures opinions or attitudes on a numbered scale (e.g. 1–5), turning qualitative views into ordinal data.
Graphs and data presentation
An anomaly (outlier) on a scatter graph is a point that does not fit the overall trend.
OS maps: contour lines and relief
Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope.
OS maps: symbols, scale and grid references
On a 1:50,000 OS (Landranger) map, A roads are shown in red.
Statistical skills
The inter-quartile range (IQR) measures the spread of the middle 50% of the data (upper quartile minus lower quartile).
Fieldwork enquiry process
A geographical fieldwork enquiry follows six stages: question/hypothesis, data collection, data presentation, analysis, conclusion and evaluation.
Fieldwork: data collection methods
A quadrat is a square frame used to count species or measure ground coverage within a defined area, typically in vegetation surveys.
Graphs and data presentation
A bar chart is most appropriate for comparing discrete categories or groups.
OS maps: contour lines and relief
Concentric circular contour lines indicate a hill or mountain summit.
Practice questions with answers
A taste of the 69 questions in this topic, answers marked. Sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.
What are the correct stages of a geographical fieldwork enquiry?
- •Conclusion → hypothesis → collection → evaluation → presentation → analysis
- •Plan the visit → observe the location → record what you see → report findings
- ✓Question → collection → presentation → analysis → conclusion → evaluation
- •Research the topic → visit the site → write up results → submit for marking
What is random sampling?
- •chosen to represent each group
- •collected at set intervals
- ✓equal chance for all
- •selected by the researcher's judgement
When is a line graph the most appropriate type of graph?
- •When comparing discrete categories
- ✓When showing change over time with continuous data
- •When showing parts of a whole
- •When two datasets share no connection
What does a contour line on an OS map represent?
- ✓A line joining points of equal height above sea level
- •A line marking the edge of a national park boundary
- •A line showing the boundary between different land uses
- •A line showing the deepest part of a river channel
What does a 4-figure grid reference identify on an OS map?
- ✓a 1 km square
- •a 10 km square
- •a 100 m square
- •a single point location
How is the mean of a dataset calculated?
- •Arrange values in order then pick the middle one
- •Find the value that appears most frequently
- •Subtract the lowest value from the highest value
- ✓Sum all values then divide by the number of values
Three minutes a day. Knowledge that sticks.
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